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The dynamics and consequences of population ageing in Trinidad and Tobago

JENNIFER ROUSE, VASUDEV RAMKISSOON AND PEMBA RAMDOO, MINISTRY OF THE PEOPLE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Abstract: Of the competing forces threatening to destabilise nations around the world, population ageing appears a lightweight in a ring of undisputed heavyweights. However, global demographic trends indicate ageing populations are set to initiate a revolution, heralding a crisis unprecedented in world history. Like other developing nations, Trinidad and Tobago finds itself at the forefront of this phenomenon with 12% (156,000 persons) of its total population aged 60 years and over. Through the development pillar of Vision 2020: Nurturing a Caring Society, programmes have been developed/implemented to treat with elderly issues in the society. Though there is expansive literature about the ageing demographic in developed nations, very little is known about population ageing in the Caribbean region and by extension the developing world. There are issues unique to Trinidad and Tobago that cannot be fully addressed by the traditional First World response, as local research has indicated. This paper provides a comparative framework for understanding ageing in the Caribbean region and its implications for sustainable development. The researchers highlight the challenges and significant gains made with regard to policy in Trinidad and Tobago, and possible areas that may foster a society for all ages.Keywords: population ageing; challenges; social security; sustainable development; elderly, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean